Finding Strength in Community During Challenging Times

In Hawai‘i, community care has always been more than a value, it’s a way of life. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting income for many local families, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is taking steps to provide some much-needed kōkua.

A $6.1 million emergency relief plan has been proposed to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are struggling with food insecurity or financial hardship caused by delayed federal support. The plan outlines direct payments of up to $350 for individuals and kūpuna relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and up to $1,200 for furloughed federal civilian employees who meet income guidelines.

While the program is still awaiting approval, OHA estimates that more than 14,000 Native Hawaiians could qualify for aid, alongside about 1,000 furloughed workers. It’s a targeted effort to fill the gaps left by broader state relief programs, one focused on reaching those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Moments like this serve as a reminder of how deeply interconnected our island communities are. Beyond policy and programs, it’s the shared sense of kuleana, responsibility to one another, that keeps Hawai‘i strong.

Source: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/11/04/office-of-hawaiian-affairs-to-vote-on-6-1-million-relief-plan-due-to-federal-government-shutdown/